- H
Uncertainty has descended upon the Florida State Seminoles football program as redshirt freshman quarterback Trever Jackson has announced his intention to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. The news, reported by On3, comes as a surprise to many, given Jackson’s promising pedigree as a former Elite 11 finalist with four years of eligibility remaining.
The 6-foot-3, 200-pound quarterback joined the Seminoles as a preferred walk-on in January 2024, despite having received scholarship offers from numerous Power Five programs including SEC, ACC, and Big Ten schools.1 This decision to initially forgo a scholarship at a smaller program in favor of the opportunity at Florida State spoke volumes about his belief in the program and his own potential within it.
During his introductory press conference in February 2024, Jackson expressed confidence in his ability to learn Mike Norvell’s complex offensive scheme, even noting how the coaches emphasized its difficulty and how that would provide good experience for the NFL. However, despite these initial positive sentiments, Jackson saw limited action in his freshman season, appearing in just one game against Charleston Southern where he recorded a two-yard rush on the final play.2 He primarily served as the scout team quarterback throughout the 2024 season.
While Jackson has yet to publicly state his specific reasons for seeking a transfer, several factors could be contributing to his decision. The current quarterback room at Florida State has undergone significant changes in recent times. Following the 2024 season, freshman quarterback Luke Kromenhoek entered the transfer portal, and the Seminoles subsequently added Boston College transfer Tommy Castellanos.3 Furthermore, Florida State secured a commitment from four-star dual-threat quarterback Kevin Sperry in the 2025 recruiting cycle, who has reportedly impressed during spring practices.4 The emergence of Sperry, in particular, may have influenced Jackson’s perception of his future opportunities in Tallahassee. Notably, in recent press conferences and post-practice reports, head coach Mike Norvell and offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn have primarily mentioned Castellanos, Glenn, and Sperry when discussing the quarterback competition, seemingly omitting Jackson from the immediate picture.
Jackson’s profile as a recruit underscores the potential loss for the Seminoles. Coming out of Jones High School in Winter Garden, Florida, he was a consensus four-star prospect and an Elite 11 finalist, indicating a high level of talent and potential.5 Recruiting analysts noted his strong arm, ability to make high-level throws, and functional mobility. While acknowledged as a raw prospect who needed development in his passing game, his dual-threat capabilities drew comparisons to former Seminoles star Jordan Travis.
The decision by Jackson to enter the transfer portal creates further questions about the depth and future of the Florida State quarterback position. While Tommy Castellanos brings experience as a transfer and Kevin Sperry offers significant potential as an early enrollee, the departure of a highly-regarded talent like Jackson, who retains all four years of eligibility, is a noteworthy development. It highlights the fluid nature of college football rosters in the transfer portal era, where even players who initially choose a program as a walk-on can quickly seek opportunities elsewhere if their path to playing time appears limited.
It is important to note that a declaration to enter the transfer portal does not definitively mean Jackson will leave Florida State. Players can withdraw their names from the portal and remain with their current team. However, the fact that Jackson is exploring other options suggests a desire for a clearer path to playing time and a system where he feels his talents will be utilized.
As the spring transfer window progresses, the situation surrounding Trever Jackson will be closely monitored. His decision will not only impact the quarterback room at Florida State but also attract attention from programs across the country eager to acquire a young quarterback with his talent and remaining eligibility. For Florida State, the focus will likely shift to solidifying the development of Castellanos and Sperry while potentially exploring further quarterback options in the transfer portal themselves to ensure adequate depth and competition at the most crucial position on the field. The looming confusion in the Seminoles’ quarterback camp underscores the constant roster management challenges faced by college football programs in the modern era.
